Detection of Exomoons Through Observation of Radio Emissions

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to detect exomoons by observing radio emission modulations caused by their interaction with planetary magnetic fields, extending Jupiter-Io system insights to exoplanets.

Contribution

It introduces a model for exomoon detection via radio emission modulation, based on Jupiter-Io system mechanisms, and applies it to potential exomoons around Epsilon Eridani b and Gliese 876 b.

Findings

Model suggests detectable radio modulation signals from exomoons.

Potential detection scenarios for exomoons around specific exoplanets.

Provides criteria for future observational efforts.

Abstract

In the Jupiter-Io system, the moon's motion produces currents along the field lines that connect it to Jupiter's polar regions. The currents generate, and modulate radio emissions along their paths via the electron-cyclotron maser instability. Based on this process, we suggest that such modulation of planetary radio emissions may reveal the presence of exomoons around giant planets in exoplanetary systems. A model explaining the modulation mechanism in the Jupiter-Io system is extrapolated, and used to define criteria for exomoon detectability. A cautiously optimistic scenario of possible detection of such exomoons around Epsilon Eridani b, and Gliese 876 b is provided.